Norfolk benefits bill rises far faster than wages across county
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 06:31 · Archive
Welfare spending in Great Yarmouth rose 17.4 per cent in two years while wages grew just 1.8 per cent.
Welfare spending in Great Yarmouth has risen 17.4 per cent over two years while average wages grew just 1.8 per cent, according to figures from the TaxPayers' Alliance. The town's annual benefits bill now stands at £293.5m, equivalent to £2,920 per resident, the highest in Norfolk. One in ten working-age adults has been assessed as unfit for work, the highest rate in the county, whilst nearly one in three are claiming Universal Credit.
The pattern extends across Norfolk. Norwich's bill stands at £376.8m, or £2,560 per resident, up 20 per cent in two years against wage growth of 14 per cent. South Norfolk saw the steepest rise in the county, with benefit spending up 24.4 per cent to £218.9m against wage growth of just 6.8 per cent. Breckland's welfare spending climbed 21.8 per cent to £267.6m while pay increased by 6.1 per cent. Broadland's bill rose 24.1 per cent to £195.2m and North Norfolk's 20.4 per cent to £188.8m, whilst West Norfolk saw growth of 18.6 per cent to £299.2m.
In total, benefits spending outpaced wages in every district in Norfolk, with the combined bill now standing at around £1.84bn a year. Experts and politicians have warned that Yarmouth risks being 'left behind' amid concerns that many are choosing benefits over employment.
How it is being reported
- The Norfolk town where the benefits bill is growing 10 times quicker than wagesWelfare spending in Great Yarmouth rose 17.4pc in two years while wages grew just 1.8pc. See how every Norfolk district compares.Eastern Daily Press · 19 Oct, 06:00
- The Norfolk town where the benefits bill is growing 10 times quicker than wagesWelfare spending in Great Yarmouth rose 17.4pc in two years while wages grew just 1.8pc. See how every Norfolk district compares.Norwich Evening News · 19 Oct, 06:00
In this story: Great Yarmouth · Norfolk · Norwich · TaxPayers' Alliance
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